Summer rains bring lower fire danger to Ruidoso, Mescalero

Village of Ruidoso drops fire restrictions to Level I

Effective Monday, the fire danger on the Mescalero Apache Reservation was decreased to moderate, meaning class II fire restrictions automatically went into effect.

All free running broadcast fires must be issued a permit by the branch of Forestry of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Burning of organic slash piles is permitted, but a courtesy call to the forestry branch is required before ignition, Smoking outdoors is permitted, if cigarettes are extinguished in a proper container. No restrictions apply to campfires, charcoal grills and wood burning stoves. Homeowners of dwellings with fireplaces or wood burning cooking or eating stoves must have proper screens installed to prevent the escape of burning embers.

Chainsaws and other internal or external combustion engines must be equipped with properly functioning spark arrestors. Fireworks of any kind are prohibited.

In the village of Ruidoso, officials reduced the level of fire restrictions to Level I, which allows commercial fire pits if specifically approved by the fire marshal.

Outdoor cooking is allowed on all types of appliances, including charcoal. Noncommercial fire pits, campfires and or fireworks are not allowed within the village unless specifically permitted by the fire marshal. Citations will be issued for improperly discarding cigarettes.